Maximizing Independence For Mobility-Impaired Loved Ones

While it is difficult to watch our loved ones cope with changes in mobility, it’s even more frustrating on the other side. For many people with physical disabilities or mobility impairments, the struggle to maintain independence in daily activities is a challenging—yet essential—need.

As a caregiver, friend, or family member, there are steps you can take to give your loved one the individual autonomy they desire.

Have an Honest Conversation About Mobility Needs

Before you do anything else, you need to know all the facts.

Ask your loved one about their unique mobility limitations.
Work with them to create a list of daily tasks that have become particularly challenging (and may require some assistance).
Carefully examine their home environment, identifying potential safety concerns and hazards.
Throughout the process, do your best to ensure your loved one consults with their doctor about specific health needs.

Investigate Mobility Aids

Depending on your loved one’s unique capabilities and needs, they’ll likely need to purchase or rent mobility assistance devices.

Help them by identifying a dependable, local supplier of home medical equipment in your area and working alongside them to make decisions between different purchase or rent options or determine which specific device(s) they need.

This includes (but is not limited to):

Walkers
Rollators
Wheelchairs (manual and electric)
Scooters
Canes
Crutches

See below for more examples of mobility-assistive home medical equipment.

Create a Safe Home Environment

To ensure a hazard-free home environment, you can support your loved one by suggesting and helping incorporate the following changes across the house.

Bathroom Modifications

Grab bars/handrails
Raised toilet seats
Walk-in tubs
Roll-in showers
Non-slip mats

Bedroom Adaptations

Adjustable hospital beds
Bed rails
Transfer poles
Bedside commodes
Organized essentials within reach

Kitchen Independence

Adaptive utensils and dishes
Reachable storage solutions (cabinets, refrigerator, freezer, etc.)
Seated food prep areas

Dressing & Grooming Aids

Button hooks
Zipper pulls
Long-handled brushes and combs
Sock aids
Dressing sticks

Embrace Smart Technology

As technology continues taking leaps and bounds in the realm of home health, a plethora of useful devices have emerged to assist folks with disabilities and mobility impairments.

This includes…

Voice-activated devices
Smartphone apps for routine tasks
Smartwatches and other wearable devices
Smart home systems

While your loved one might not be particularly keen on “new” technology fads—or have the natural ability to navigate such foreign devices—you might be able to help them figure out how to ask Alexa to set a reminder or make a quick call with a tap on their phone or watch.

Provide Transportation Solutions

Transportation is a BIG part of adult independence. Whether your loved one can still drive or relies on others for transportation, certain vehicle modifications and ramps might be necessary for their basic travel needs.

Some things you might do to help:

Build a permanent ramp for their home
Help incorporate necessary vehicle modifications (hand controls, automatic ramps, lifts, pedal extensions, assistance straps, etc.)
Identify available public transportation options
Provide rides whenever possible

Encourage Physical Activity

Despite their mobile impairment, it’s still important for your loved one to incorporate regular movement into their routine. There are several easy exercise options for those with limited mobility:

Seated exercises
Chair yoga and tai chi
Lightweight resistance bands
Stretching

Identify Emotional & Social Resources

In addition to physical health, mobility challenges can also impact a person’s emotional and social well-being.

Support your loved one’s overall health and happiness by encouraging them to…

Maintain social connections
Regularly attend support groups
Take advantage of other support resources
Continue pursuing hobbies and interests
Ask for help with transportation (etc.) whenever needed

On the Hunt For Quality Mobility Aids?

Some of these solutions are more straightforward than others. While you can easily find smart technologies, physical exercise recommendations, and emotional support resources online, you’ll need to connect with a designated home medical equipment supplier for many mobility assistance devices listed in this article.

Doing so can be easier said than done!

We can help you start your search—use our HME locator tool to find reliable suppliers of home-based mobility aids near you.

Explore other mobility-related content:

And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for more HME-related tips and insights.